Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta

This trip is the perfect combination of game viewing and adventure. You'll start with a VIP meet & greet as you step off the plane in Johannesburg and are taken through a special express line at customs. Overnight in Johannesburg then fly up to Victoria Falls where you'll spend 2 nights exploring the area by boat and by foot. Next transfer by land and boat over to Botswana where you'll clear customs before taking off again to fly over the Okavango Delta into Stanley's Camp. You'll have traditional game viewing by 4X4 along with floating silently through the reeds in your dugout canoe. Finishing off this trip and saving the best for last are 2 nights in the best game area of the country Chief's Island. You'll be spoiled by the chef's at Chief’s camp as you wine and dine during the evening and track the big 5 during the day. We'll take you back to Johannesburg at the end of this incredible adventure through two of southern Africa's most magical countries.
NOTE: Due to capacity constraints in Botswana, there is a 20% non-refundable booking fee. This booking fee is paid to the lodges directly to secure reservations. This will be paid upon confirmation of your booking.

Hand luggage: One bag allowed in addition to one slimline laptop bag. No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115 cm including handles and wheels) weighing not more than 7Kgs.

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

During your stay at Sussi and Chuma you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities included in your stay. You can choose two activities per day.

GAME DRIVES - Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is set on the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Here the highly trained safari guides take guests on game drives in custom-built 4 x 4 safari vehicles to experience the land as it was when Livingstone first made his way across the ridge and beheld the smoke that thunders. The park has elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra in large numbers and an exciting array of birds, including some Southern African specials like Peters Finfoot. Guests may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dog that on occasion pass through the park.

CANOEING ON THE ZAMBEZI - Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a two hour canoeing excursion on the Zambezi River. The canoeing trip can either be done in the morning or afternoon, the activity will start from the lodge and can be combined with either a game drive or a boat cruise. Canoeing is offered all year but is weather dependent. Dry bags will be provided for valuables. Minimum age is 15 years.

TOUR OF THE VICTORIA FALLS - Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers guests a walking tour of The Falls. First described to Europe by explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "the Smoke that Thunders", the falls make a constant roar and are accompanied by a cloud of brilliant spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. Rainbows constantly form and collapse in the tropical sunlight over the waterfall. The river is bordered by ebony groves and mopane forest. Well-known for its bird life, with many fish eating raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river. Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is payable by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls.

WALKING SAFARIS - There can be few more thrilling ways to experience and understand African wildlife, the bush and ecosystem as a whole than by being on foot on a walking safari. Offering a completely different perspective to the conventional view one gets from the confines of a safari vehicle. Our two highly trained professional walking guides, Luckson and Elijah, have a combined walking safari experience of more than 20 years. Their reverence and respect for the wild is highly contagious, making this a truly unforgettable and memorable experience as they share their in-depth bush knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Guests will also be accompanied by an armed National Parks ranger. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma's walking safaris will last about two hours and are conducted at a leisurely pace. Morning walks will depart at 6:30 am and will include a break with tea, coffee and snacks. The afternoon walk will commence at 4pm and finish at a special sundowner spot where guests will be served drinks and canapés while enjoying the magnificent sunset.

SUNDOWNER CRUISE - A Zambezi River cruise is a great way to spend a few hours before drifting back to the lodge, a warm shower and delicious dinner. Sanctuary's boats are specially designed and the guide will take the boat through a series of grade 2 rapids before finding a spot to beach for a break and a sunset cocktail. The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and delicious drink on the tongue makes for a memorable sunset cruise. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

LOCAL SCHOOL & VILLAGE TOUR - Nakatindi village, our main Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy project in Zambia, is located six kilometres from Livingstone and five kilometres from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Village tours are included in your stay at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. This village filled with children playing and people getting on with their regular day to day lives comprises of around 3,000 people who live in simple mud and brick houses. To the edge of the village sits the Nakatindi Community School which is responsible for the education of its 442 pupils, of which approximately 286 of the children are orphans. Sussi & Chuma are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you'll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.

FISHING - The fishing season generally opens on 1st March each year. It closes annually from the 1st December until March. (This is the local Fisheries' regulations and it is enforced by the Zambian Wildlife Authority.) All fishing is on a strict "Catch and Release" policy as we are in the national park. So far the biggest fish caught was around 4.5kg.Sussi and Chuma's 3 boats are used for fishing as well as other activities. Guests specifically wanting to do fishing should ideally request and pay for a private boat for fishing. That said we will be happy to accommodate fishermen as best as we can. Please note, on a full camp, all boats are used for the evening sunset cruise.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Victoria Falls

Day 3: Livingstone

Today you can enjoy two of the included activities offered by Sussi & Chuma: falls visit, game viewing, canoeing, walking safaris, sundowner cruise, fishing or village tour. Or you can sign up for spa treatments or other tours (not included in tour cost)

FLIGHT OF ANGELS - The Flight of Angels offers an amazing experience - the opportunity to fly over the Falls in a helicopter for unrivalled views. While we cannot guarantee that you will see any game the following species can often be seen from the air: elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, crocodile and giraffe. Guests can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight, minimum 2/maximum 6 participants, starting from the helipad at Maramba Aerodome.

LIVINGSTONE ISLAND VISITS - A Livingstone Island visit begins with a thrilling ride through the channels of the Zambezi in twin-engine boats. During the guided exploration of the island you will learn about its long history, from ancient times, when it was a sacrificial site, to the present day, as a protected World Heritage Site. Those who are feeling brave can even take a heart-stopping peek over the island's edge. After the tour, relax and enjoy refreshments under the shade of our canopied dining area with a view of the Falls that is quite unique. Those keen on a swimming experience unlike any other can even brave the waters of this mighty river in the island's very own bathing pool, which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge of the Falls. The activity lasts about one and a half hours with about one hour fifteen minutes on the island. Five trips are offered daily with a maximum of 12 people per trip. Included: Tea and coffee, soft drinks and light snacks, Livingstone Island walk, drinks on arrival, Falls entry and park fees.

ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS - An elephant back safari is an unforgettable experience, interacting with the elephants while enjoying a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery. You may see other wild elephant as well as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a host of other plains game. Along the Zambezi River, hippo and crocodile are common and there is a wide variety of bird species. Each elephant has its own handler. The ride is approximately one hour and the overall interaction time with the elephants is about three hours. Trips are available in the morning and afternoon. Minimum age limit for children is 10 years of age. Guardians of minors (under 18) will be required to sign an indemnity form on behalf of the minors. A guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 throughout the trip. Rate excludes parkfees and transfer to and from the activity.

TOUR OF THE FALLS (ZIMBABWE SIDE) - Explore the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side. Transfer time from the lodge to the entrance of the Falls in Zimbabwe is approximately ½ hour depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts and history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points. Guests are advised to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the walk, as well as suitable waterproof protection for camera equipment. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets.

WHITE WATER RAFTING - The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as "Grade 5" by the British Canoe Union. You will be met in the reception area of the lodge from where you transfer to the Zambezi Waterfront, check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing before departing on a half day white water rafting experience. The white water rafting finishes at rapid #10 where the truck will be waiting with cold drinks and beers for the journey back to Zambezi Waterfront at 12.30 / 1.00pm in time for lunch. Lunch consists of a variety of savoury filled bread rolls, fruits and fruit juice. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the lodge. Water is provided throughout the day. Minimum 4 participants and no children under 15 years are allowed to participate on the rafting activity. Guests have the option of also choosing from a full day, low water or full day high water white river rafting.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Okavango

The Mighty Lion

Stanley's Camp

Day 4: Livingstone - Kasane - Okavango

Transfer between Livingstone and Chobe lodges.

This short flight departs Kasane airport and travels to Okavango, Botswana.

Passengers weighing over 120kg will need to purchase an additional seat.Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

To ensure a safe and comfortable ride, a representative from your lodge will meet you at the airstrip and provide you with a transfer to your camp.

The expert guides always on hand at Stanley's camp, will share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, take guests deep into the bush in specially modified open 4 x 4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives to find the secluded places where elephant families congregate in search of the tastiest fruits and berries. The game viewing opportunities at Stanley's Camp are awe-inspiring.

Following is a list of included activities; please note some activities are weather dependant:

Game Drives: Game drives are not typical here, as water crossings are part of the adventure, and watching zebra standing belly-deep in water, grazing, is a sight to see. Even giraffe will cross water up to their hocks. During higher water levels, game drives will be combined with motorised boating excursions. Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is set in a private concession which means you can also venture out at night on exciting game drives to see the many nocturnal animals that live here. The evening drive starts after sundowner cocktails, using a spotlight to identify nocturnal creatures including the ones that are easier to catch a glimpse of in the dark, like hyena and leopard. Tiny fireball eyes that seem to levitate through the air and reappear again in different trees are bush babies, just one of several different creatures to be found.

Walking Safaris: Professional guides at Stanley's Camp will show you the bush on foot. This is a chance to see the Delta from a different perspective, one that is up close and personal with the surrounding environment. Walks allow you to read the news of the night in the smooth sand of the road. Lion, leopard, elephants, genets and even millipedes are all part of the signs, each with their story to tell. A walking safari is about seeing the small five and the various floras in the area.

Mokoro Excursions: The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, guests can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow channels. Sit back and relax as you glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while seeing eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Stanley`s Camp

Okavango Game Drive

Day 5: Okavango

The Okavango Delta is home to some of the most spectacular and varied wildlife on Earth. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. You'll have the opportunity to see animals up close when expert guides accompany you on your daily included activities. The area also boasts a diversity of landscape with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps in close proximity – cheetah, crocodile and elephant can frequently be seen.

In the Okavango, you will typically you will have a morning game drive, coming back to your camp for lunch and some down time. Later in the day, you will head out for your afternoon or night game drive.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Stanley`s Camp

Baby Lion

Day 6: Okavango

Enjoy breakfast in the first light of day and head out to explore more of the fascinating Okavango Delta. Today, you might encounter impala and predators such as cheetah or the endangered wild dog. Return to the camp for lunch and perhaps a siesta, before heading out for an afternoon activity.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Stanley`s Camp

Zebra

Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Day 7: Okavango

A representative from your lodge will provide a shared transfer to the airstrip today.

This charter flight travels to the numerous airstrips of the Okavango region.

To ensure a safe and comfortable ride, a representative from your lodge will meet you at the airstrip and provide you with a transfer to your camp.

At Chief’s Camp you will have the opportunity to experience the following activities:

•Game Drives- Expert guides are always on hand to share their wealth of wildlife knowledge as you explore the Delta in modified open 4 x 4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives. The game viewing opportunities at Sanctuary Chief's Camp are awe-inspiring.

•Mokoro Excursions- Mokoros, local dugout canoes, offer a different perspective of the bush in the company of a highly trained local guide.. Poling through the byways created by the floodwaters is a magical experience that allows guests to get very close to the biggest of game and to see the world from a totally different angle. As a change from a game drive, the quiet, gentle pace of a mokoro is a real introduction to a way of transport still used in the Delta by the 'river bushmen' or BaYei people.

Additional Activities available at an extra cost:

•SCENIC FLIGHTS OVER THE DELTA- These scenic flights involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta.

Day 8: Okavango

Spa Treatments - Guests at Sanctuary Chief’s are able to enjoy a range of spa treatments. Treatments include products from the Africology line and guests are able to choose from a range of body therapies, body rituals and facial skin care treatments. Treatments may be booked at the camp reception with the camp manager, or with the therapist. A full consultation will be held before every treatment.

Helicopter over the Delta - Experiencing Botswana’s Okavango Delta by helicopter is an incredible and unrivalled experience, one in which a large variety of game as well as the region's stunning landscape can be easily viewed… Together with our preferred partner in Botswana, Mack Air, we now offer scenic helicopter flights over the Okavango Delta, allowing you to venture to parts of the Delta which are inaccessible by game vehicle providing an excellent opportunity to explore an array of truly unspoilt wildlife and scenery. The helicopter used provides incomparable comfort with air conditioning, leather seats and a large cabin, easily seating 6 passengers. Each passenger is provided with a David Clarke headset which allows guests to freely talk to each other as well as the pilot.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Chief`s Camp

Day 9: Okavango - Maun - Johannesburg

A representative from your lodge will provide a shared transfer to the airstrip today.

Sit back and relax during this short hopper flight that departs the airstrip in Okavango and arrives at the airstrip in Maun.

Passengers weighing over 120kg will need to purchase an additional seat.Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided - no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

Enjoy a direct flight today between Maun and Johannesburg. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Flight scheduled to depart Maun at 1h45pm and arrive into Johannesburg at 330 pm. Please Note: Flight times may vary.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

The Michelangelo Hotel

The Michelangelo Hotel - Indoor Pool

The Michelangelo Hotel - Johannesburg

The Michelangelo Hotel has captured the spirit of a bygone era while being at the heart of the pulsating vibrant corporate capital of Africa, Sandton Square. The hotel offers unsurpassed attention to detail and ensures that individual needs and tastes are catered for in every possible way. Beautiful Renaissance-inspired décor ensures that guests enjoy the utmost luxury both in their private suites as well as in the lounges and other public areas of the hotel. The Michelangelo, a retreat in the square's bustle, overlooks Sandton Johannesburg. The Renaissance-style hotel is venerated for its easy access to the neighborhood’s shopping, dining and entertainment, many located in the adjacent square. Guests can take advantage of a fitness center with personal trainers, a sauna and heated indoor pool. The spa is acclaimed, especially for its grass-covered sundeck. Expert but unobtrusive service has long made the hotel a leading choice for travelers.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma - Livingstone

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone’s faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides.

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp - Okavango

Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp sits amidst 260,000 acres of untamed African bush in a private concession. Bordering the southern section of the famous Moremi Game Reserve, Sanctuary Stanley’s is a small luxury camp consisting of eight classic styled safari tents. Each of the eight classic safari tents sits on raised wooden decking. Each unit offers en-suite facilities, a private deck and is equipped with a hairdryer and ceiling fan. There is also a swimming pool. Electricity, 220 volts, is supplied by a combination of silent packed generator and battery system allowing 24-hour power supply.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp - Okavango

Chief's Camp is nestled in the Chief's Island bush, in the Moremi Game Reserve. Its 12 luxury pavilions are admired for their spaciousness and clean, plush quality. At the same time, the camp adheres to an African authenticity in bush camping. Chefs use their talents to the fullest, concocting tasteful delights from local produce and succulent meats. Friendly and ready service add to this enjoyable experience. Take part in game drives, and observe the interactions between animals of different species. This region plays host to the most carefree and unhindered wildlife.

Map

Reviews

Africa
Sachi Gowda ,
December 15, 2014"We are extremely happy with your service from beginning to end and we had very a memorable trip."

Africa
Ronald Jones ,
December 12, 2014"I cannot express how fabulous our trip was!! I know it was made that way thanks to ALL the kind, knowledgable, and helpful people that you all placed in our path. Many went above and beyond to make our experience even more positive. From drivers, to guides, to hotel staff---we met some wonderful people that we can now call friends. Thank you Christine and Kensington tours for this once in a lifetime African adventure!"

Africa
RonJones ,
December 15, 2014"Christine, our family trip was ALL we wanted it to be. The hotel accommodations in the cities were GREAT. We needed to make some room assignment adjustments but that's to be expected with a large family with children and same names.
I don't know where/how ya'll got those guides but...KEEP'EM! In both Cape Town and Joberg the guys knew their cities and environs excellently. Their English was very good...so good in fact that several got the sarcasm and even joked some. I do apologize if we over-tipped. I relied on each family to tip their own driver but, I wasn't sure of their "sense of what was right" so I followed up with something for each.
Simbavati was "PERFECT". As much as Glenda and I really liked Ngala, I do not think they could have handled a family as well...UNLESS, they had accommodations we did not see.
Please rest assured when ever I plan to travel on a multi-dimensional trip in the future, for sure with a group, or maybe just Glenda and I, I'll be calling Kensington... Christine and Donna specifically. And most definitely, anytime I can recommend a travel professional, your company and you two will be mentioned by name!
Thank you again Christine...you presented us the exact trip we dreamed about for our family and your folks on the ground made it happen! I sincerely hope you, Donna and everyone else involved have a most Blessed Christmas and a wonderful, successful New Year!"

Africa
Bruce Lundstrom ,
December 15, 2014"Morocco has a lot to offer. Food, historic sites, craftsmen (rugs, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, etc.), natural beauty, roads and infrastructure, and a reasonably safe environment. Both Guide (Abdel) and Driver were excellent. Service-oriented, timely and easy going. Abdel was not afraid to speak his mind, offer suggestions and give us feedback on ideas. We enjoyed their company."

Africa
AlbertLind ,
December 09, 2014"A truly wonderful trip......first class accommodations and service in each venue....the guides were knowledgable and went out of their way to insure that we could see and understand Africa. Capetown is a fascinating city, Sabi Sands an extraordinary private game preserve, and Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel a once in a lifetime experience. For those who want to visit Africa we enthusiastically recommend Kensington Tours. And Jolene Plant stayed with us in every step during the planning of our trip and itinerary. We saw as much of Africa as much as anyone can during our two weeks vacation."

Africa
Belinda Skelton ,
December 12, 2014"This was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever had. The custom tours and activities exceeded my expectations. I was traveling alone but felt safe and in good hands. The process of booking the trip with Lily Baffour was so easy and personal, especially with the constant communications from her up to my departure. Thank you Kensington Tours for an awesome experience. I will definitely use you for my next adventure!"

Africa
NancyGarret ,
December 12, 2014"Our week-long tour in Morocco went without a hitch in the company of a great driver and knowledgeable guide who were always prompt, courteous, helpful, and very nice. Kensington Tours' picks for our overnight accommodations were excellent, as well as the excursions planned for us. We're grateful to our conscientious agent, Lily, who went out of her way to make us feel welcome in Morocco. We feel confident that we are in very capable hands whenever we travel with Kensington Tours. "

Africa
KarenKuwahara ,
December 12, 2014"Our trip was a perfect 10 - exceeding all expectations! Starting with Christine Willner's attentiveness to our wish list and balancing it to our budget, every leg and element of our journey took place without so much as a hiccup. We were blown away by the quality of our tours, accommodations and guides. Thank you for giving us a great experience and wonderful memories!"

Africa
Rebecca Warren ,
August 02, 2014"My 26 year old daughter recently traveled alone to Madagascar using Kensington tours. I was a little concerned about her safety and wanted to make sure that she would be well taken care of. Kensington was great from start to finish. Our travel agent, Marc Sisson, put together the tour in very short order with very little notice, had no problem doing it for just one person, and gave me a sense of security that my daughter would be well cared for. She did the Anjajavy 5 Day Beach extension. The tour guide who picked her up at the airport in the capitol city was outstanding -- very knowledgeable and helpful. The Anjajavy hotel was extraordinary. Her pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. She kayaked, swam in the ocean and saw lemurs feeding. She got to practice her French with the outstanding hotel manager and otherwise was able to just relax and unwind. She described the experience as "visiting Eden." I highly recommend Kensington. I contacted a number of tour/travel agencies and none of them compared to Kensington. "

Africa
Shayna Maislin ,
April 21, 2014"I would highly recommend the tour guide that we had in the Serengetti . He was extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and courteous. We all agree that Kensington has first class staff working for them in Africa. All the camps that we stayed at were absolutely beautiful except perhaps for the one in Lake Manyara. All in all it was a spectacular trip!"